Senate Resolution No. 1118 BY: Senator MAY MOURNING the death of Sally Johnston, a leader of the disability movement, distinguished citizen, and devoted member of her community WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavors served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, Sally Johnston of Syracuse, New York, died on May 10, 2023, at the age of 80; and WHEREAS, A true leader of the disability movement, Sally Johnston started her career in advocacy in 1975 when she began volunteering at a new community center; she worked with members of the community to build relationships with county elected officials, eventually succeeding in getting public office buildings made accessible throughout Syracuse and Onondaga county; and WHEREAS, For 14 years, Sally Johnston worked with advocates across Syracuse, New York to make buses accessible for all; she would go to measures as far as chaining herself to buses and eventually won in her fight to make buses in Syracuse accessible; and WHEREAS, Getting involved in long-term care, Sally Johnston called for a demonstration program that served as a precursor to Consumer Directed Personal Assistance (CDPA) to be made available in Onondaga county; this program would pave the way for the statewide implementation of CDPA; and WHEREAS, Having tirelessly devoted her time to the cause, Sally Johnston played a vital role in the establishment of the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Association of New York State; she was the first Board President of CDPAANYS and was dedicated to ensuring the organization was built on a strong foundation; and WHEREAS, Sally Johnston continued to faithfully serve the CDPAANYS until her retirement; and WHEREAS, Her legacy lives on, in 2011, Sally Johnston was honored by CDPAANYS with the Advocacy Award, which was renamed to The Sally Johnston Award for Advocacy; in 2022, she was recognized further for her work when she was inducted into the Disability Rights Hall of Fame, created and run by the New York State Independent Living Council; and WHEREAS, Sally Johnston distinguished herself in her profession and by her sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of her community; improving the quality of life for others and enabling them to build lives of dignity and self-worth; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, Sally Johnston leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all she served and befriended; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of Sally Johnston, a leader of the disability movement, distinguished citizen, and devoted member of her community; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Sally Johnston.